What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
In 2007 EPC's - Energy Performance Certificates were introduced into the property marketing process. Energy Performance Certificates are now a mandatory requirement for anyone marketing a property for sale or rent in the UK. The EPC report indicates a properties Energy Efficiency Rating and outlines practical cost effective solutions and recommendations on how to improve the rating.
How much does an EPC survey cost?
The cost/price of obtaining an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for an existing domestic property is calculated based on the size and location of a property, our prices start from £69 inclusive of any VAT.
For a list of our prices please see our booking & prices page .
Overview of the process and data collected for an EPC survey
A DEA (Domestic Energy Assessor) will visit your property to collect information about your property. Specific details about the property are then recorded on an iPad/Tablet device and the data recorded is entered into the software in order to produce an EPC. Site notes also act as a record of the survey and the data collected by the DEA, both for audit purposes and in case of complaint/question about the EPC in the future.
During a EPC home survey a qualified and insured energy assessor will visit your property to assess the energy efficiency of the building. This is done by conducting a non intrusive survey and gathering details of the construction and building services of the property. The survey and the data collected have nothing to do with the general condition of the property but rather the specification. If there are any questions you have regarding the survey our friendly staff will be happy to answer any questions.
What data is collected during a site survey ?
Site notes
Details about your property such as wall / floor / roof construction, heating system and controls, insulation thickness, lighting etc are recorded on a room by room basis.
Floor plan
A plan showing the outline of all storeys in the property with party walls, dimensions, location of any extensions, conservatory and alternative wall. A room layout with location of heating controls and low energy lighting. The floor plan is used as the basis for heat loss calculations.
Photos
Photographs are taken during the survey to provide vital supporting evidence for the data collected on site.
What happens once the survey is completed ?
Once all data has been correctly entered in to the software and reviewed thoroughly, the EPC rating can be calculated and a draft EPC can be viewed. Once the report has been reviewed and the results and recommendations given by the software are confirmed the assessor can then confirm acceptance for the EPC to be lodged. Once the report has been lodged a copy of the report will be emailed to you. The report can also be accessed at any time from the governments landmark website and will be valid for 10 years, providing no major alterations are made to the property which could affect the buildings energy rating.
The recommendation report
EPCs come with a detailed recommendation report outlining potential areas that would help reduce the amount of energy you use, thus lessoning your carbon dioxide emissions.
The EPC report contains:
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suggested improvements, like double glazing and fitting loft insulation
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potential cost savings per annum, when the improvements are carried out
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the impact the changes would have on energy and carbon emission ratings
As the report suggests, these are recommendations and not enforceable. However, making the recommended changes could make your property more attractive to a potential buyer or tenant by making it more energy efficient, hence lowering running costs.
The energy performance certificate also contains:
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detailed estimates of potential energy use, carbon dioxide emissions and energy costs
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details of the energy assessor who carried out the EPC assessment
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a complaint procedure
For more information regarding EPCs please see links below;
http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/home-energy-efficiency/energy-performance-certificates
https://www.gov.uk/buy-sell-your-home/energy-performance-certificates
Please note: The data collected above to produce an EPC is used for auditing purposes only and to substantiate selections the assessor has input into the government approved (RdSAP) software. This is not issued to the client - All data collected is protected by the data protection act and is submitted to Landmark.
EPC Frequently asked questions - FAQs
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What is an energy performance certificate (EPC)?
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If following an EPC i make amendments to my property will I have to have a new epc conducted?
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The costs shown on the EPC are higher than my actual energy bills for the year, why is this?
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How do I check that the epc assessor attending to conduct the epc is properly qualified?
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These FAQs have not answered my question. What can I do now?
An accredited Energy Assessor visits the property to collect only the data required for assessing energy features, and generates an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) using government-approved software. The assessment is based on the construction and type of dwelling and relevant fittings (heating systems, insulation or double glazing, for example). It is not a structural or building survey, condition report or property valuation. An EPC should not be read as a comment on the overall condition of the property nor will it comment on the presence or otherwise of asbestos, high alumina cement concrete, additives including calcium chloride, or any building defects or hazardous materials. It will also not cover items or problems in the property which would be picked up in a building survey, which may be costly to rectify, as these are outside the scope of the data collected.
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Why do I require an epc?
An EPC has been a legal requirement since 2008 for any property, whether commercial or domestic, that is to be sold or let. Since April 2012, legislation has been set in place that makes it illegal no to also market a property without a valid EPC and the responsibility is now jointly shared with Landlord/Property owner and Estate or Letting Agent to ensure the property has a valid EPC before being put up for market.
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How do I know if my property already has an epc?
You can check to see if a property has an Energy Performance Certificate by visiting the Landmark website and searching using your property postcode. If you have lived there since before 2008 and have never instructed an EPC on the property, the chances are, the property will not have a valid EPC.
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How long does it take to conduct an EPC?
The length of time needed for the assessment can vary depending on the size of your property, although the average time taken is between 30-60 minutes.
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How much does an EPC cost?
The cost of an EPC varies depending on the size of your property. Please see our prices tab for further details on prices.
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How long is an EPC valid?
A standard Energy Performance Certificate is valid for ten years from the issue date and can be used whenever required within that time frame.
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What if I am unhappy with my EPC rating?
When you receive your EPC Rating, you’ll also get recommendations about your property on how the score can be improved, This can be found on page 3 of your report. Alternatively speak to your energy assessor, whose details can be found in the ‘About this document’ section of the EPC.
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If following an EPC i make amendments to my property will I have to have a new epc conducted?
If works have been done to the property which affect its energy rating, this will invalidate your report. If you are unsure if you require an updated survey please contact our team for more info.
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How will I receive my epc?
You will be emailed with your completed EPC certificate as soon as it is ready. EPC certificates can be sent via post if requested.
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What happens if I don’t get an EPC?
If you don’t get an EPC for the property when required, then you will be faced with a fine, enforced by Trading Standards, that can be anywhere from £200 to £5000 depending on the rateable value of the property. There is a 7 day grace period to rectify the situation and this is easily done by simply booking an EPC. Once booked the property is legal to market and the EPC certificate can be with you in 48 hours.
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The costs shown on the EPC are higher than my actual energy bills for the year, why is this?
EPCs use standardised assumptions so as to make properties directly comparable while still reflecting the features of individual properties. The EPC costs are based on a number of assumptions: a standardised heating pattern, number of occupants, hot water usage, etc. These factors vary appreciably between different households even if living in similar properties.
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How do I check that the epc assessor attending to conduct the epc is properly qualified?
All assessors have their own accreditation number, this can be found on the EPC or can also be checked on the Landmark official register of UK assessors.
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I have added insulation to my house, but the rating is low and the insulation is not shown on the EPC, why is this?
The energy assessment is non-invasive. For insulation to be included in the assessment there must be evidence, either visual or documentary, of specific works relating to the property being assessed. If insulation has been added but there is no access for the energy assessor to observe it or relevant documentary evidence, it cannot be included. In these cases the level of insulation is assumed based on the age of the relevant part of the dwelling. This applies to roof insulation, floor insulation and wall insulation.
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My property is maintained to a high standard; surely the rating should be higher than shown in the report?
The EPC gives information on the current and potential energy performance of the property. It does not reflect the current condition of fabric or fittings, nor decorative state.
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These FAQs have not answered my question. What can I do now?
In the first instance contact the energy assessor, whose details can be found in the ‘About this document’ section of the EPC. If the assessor is unable to resolve the issue to your satisfaction, contact their accreditation scheme whose details are given in the same section.